SIBE are science communicators based in the University of Edinburgh. We are involved in a variety of projects which aim to enhance engagement with biotechnology through interactions with the scientific community, school students, teachers and the general public.

We develop educational resources for teachers and school students, run biotechnology workshops in schools, organise exciting public science events and encourage and train researchers to communicate their research to schools and the public.

Formed in 2002, we receive core funding from the Darwin Trust of Edinburgh. Our core funding allows us to lever further funding from a variety of sources for specific projects (scroll down for a list of funders and partners).

We seek to achieve our aims by working according to current educational recommendations and policies, maintaining knowledge of current educational techniques, providing science communication training, producing activities with lasting impact, and relating activities to contemporary life.

Here are our aims in more detail:

Past and present partners and funders:

Darwin Trust of Edinburgh (core funding)
Edinburgh Beltane: Beacon for Public Engagement
Scottish Government
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Wellcome Trust
Scottish Schools Equipment Research Centre (SSERC)
Science and Plants for Schools (SAPS) Biotechnology Scotland Project
National Museums of Scotland
Edinburgh International Science Festival
SETPOINT
The Royal Society
The Royal Society of Edinburgh
The British Science Association (BSA)
Society for General Microbiology (SGM)
BIO-RAD
Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
Glasgow Science Centre
Sensation Science Centre, Dundee
Moray Art Centre
Scottish Association of Sign Language Interpreters (SASLI)
University of Dundee
Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)
University of the Highlands and Islands
Other Higher/Further Education Institutions
Scottish local councils